Top 5 Reasons People Are Moving to the Gulf Coast

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025  2:16pm.



TOP 5 REASONS PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO THE GULF COAST


By Meredith Amon Licensed in Alabama and Florida

As a real estate advisor with over 20 years of experience selling luxury homes, I’ve never seen a time quite like this. More and more people are discovering what I've always known—the Gulf Coast isn’t just a vacation spot, it’s a lifestyle. From Orange Beach to Ono Island, Gulf Shores to Perdido Key, there's a wave of interest from buyers looking to put down roots or invest in their own slice of coastal paradise.

Whether you're dreaming of a full-time move, a second home, or an investment property, here are the top 5 reasons people are moving to the Gulf Coast right now:


1. Coastal Living with Southern Charm

The pace of life on the Gulf Coast is intentionally slower, more relaxed, and centered around nature, water, and community. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee on a screened porch with a view of the bay, or spending your evenings watching the sunset over the Gulf, it's hard not to fall in love with the daily rhythm of coastal living.

One homeowner on Ono Island recently told me, “We came for the water, but we stayed because of the people.”


2. Lower Cost of Living & No State Income Tax

Compared to other coastal destinations across the U.S., the Gulf Coast offers incredible value. Home prices here are still relatively affordable, and in Florida, there’s no state income tax—making it even more attractive for retirees and remote workers. I’ve helped buyers sell in markets like California and the Northeast, only to discover they can purchase waterfront property here with money left over.

Start exploring value-packed listings on the Gulf Coast’s premier home search site.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor


3. Boating, Fishing & Outdoor Adventure

Water is a way of life here. With easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, inland bays, and rivers, this region is a boater’s dream. From deep-sea fishing to paddleboarding in the back bays, outdoor opportunities are endless. I always tell clients: if you love the water, you'll love the Gulf Coast.

Ask me about homes and condos with deeded boat slips, lift systems, and private docks—they go quickly.


4. New Construction & Investment Opportunities

The Gulf Coast is booming with new construction, offering modern designs, energy-efficient systems, and Gold Fortified certification for storm resistance. From luxury homes on Ono Island to resort-style condos in Orange Beach, there’s an opportunity for every buyer.

Check out the latest listings in new construction communities and let’s discuss your goals. Whether you're looking to build, flip, or buy and hold, I can help you navigate the process.


5. A Destination for All Seasons

This isn’t just a summer town. The Gulf Coast shines year-round. We enjoy mild winters, colorful springs, sun-soaked summers, and breezy fall days that are perfect for festivals and football. It’s an ideal place for those seeking a full-time move or those who want to escape harsh winters without flying across the country.

Many of my buyers have turned what started as a vacation retreat into their permanent residence. The Gulf has a way of pulling you in and making you feel at home.


Thinking of Making the Move?

If the Gulf Coast is calling your name, let’s talk. I live here, I boat here, and I sell here. I know what makes each community unique, and I’d be honored to help you find your place along the coast.

Visit www.searchthegulf.com to browse homes, land, and condos—and let’s start the conversation.



Meredith Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.

#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere
Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction

Search Coastal Alabama Homes and Real Estate For Sale

Sort by:
24230 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3086, Orange Beach

$559,000

↓ $10,000

24230 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3086, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 926 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386209

Vicki Lynn Real Estate

27008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 205, Orange Beach

$559,000

↓ $20,900

27008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 205, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 801 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370197

Dolphin Cove Realty LLC

377 Apollo Avenue, Gulf Shores

$559,000

377 Apollo Avenue, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,788 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384902

Wheeles Realty

4160 Inverness Circle, Gulf Shores

$559,000

↓ $20,900

4160 Inverness Circle, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,357 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386170

Coldwell Banker Reehl Prop Fairhope PHONE: 251-767-3793

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A1207, Gulf Shores

$558,000

↓ $20,000

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A1207, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,144 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380588

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-979-9198

26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 507, Orange Beach

$558,000

↓ $10,000

26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 507, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 375600

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

4863 Tiger Brown Avenue, Orange Beach

$554,900

↓ $20,000

4863 Tiger Brown Avenue, Orange Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,267 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384537

BHGRE Platinum Properties

5762 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

$550,000

5762 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,176 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385699

EXIT Realty Gulf Shores

8774 Primland Boulevard, Foley

$550,000

↓ $10,000

8774 Primland Boulevard, Foley

5 Beds 3 Baths 3,028 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383770

Signature Properties

30793 Baldwin Street, Perdido Beach

$550,000

30793 Baldwin Street, Perdido Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 2,016 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385042

RE/MAX Paradise

25773 Canal Road Unit 10, Orange Beach

$550,000

↓ $10,000

25773 Canal Road Unit 10, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,611 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370950

Vicki Lynn Real Estate

New
10815 Sunbelt Drive, Elberta

$550,000

10815 Sunbelt Drive, Elberta

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,829 SqFt Residential MLS® # 387403

EXIT Realty Landmark amandafarmersells@gmail.com


Latest Stories

View all
Gulf Coast Home Maintenance in Orange Beach & Ono Island | Search The Gulf
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025

Gulf Coast Home Maintenance in Orange Beach & Ono Island | Search The Gulf

Owning on the Water: My Gulf Coast Maintenance Playbook for Orange Beach and Ono Island



I live and work where salt air, sun, and water meet the Orange Beach shoreline and the canals of Ono Island. Coastal homes here are a lifestyle investment, and they reward steady care. Below is the practical…

Where to Rig Fish near Orange Beach + Best Boats to Use  | Search The Gulf
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025

Where to Rig Fish near Orange Beach + Best Boats to Use | Search The Gulf

Freeman vs. Invincible 35–37 Catamarans for Orange Beach
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 3, 2025

Freeman vs. Invincible 35–37 Catamarans for Orange Beach

Morning Light on Ole River: A November Walk on Ono Island
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | November 2, 2025

Morning Light on Ole River: A November Walk on Ono Island


Signup is free and takes only a few seconds

Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent